If you forget your reusable bags at home it could soon cost you in New York City, as local lawmakers are poised to vote on a measure that would add a five cent fee to consumers’ bills if they opt for a plastic or paper bag at checkout. [More]

What’s the next big problem with cigarettes? According to a proposed state bill in California, this time it’s not the tobacco, smoke, or carcinogens; it’s the litter. One state legislator is taking on the trash, specifically the butts, filters included, that smokers leave lying around. He’s proposing fines–but not for the smokers.

While it might be funny to look back at America’s past and how much we used to litter, a la Ron Burgundy in Anchorman chucking a burrito out his car window*, it’s not like we’ve totally stopped trashing the great outdoors. One effort to allay the effects of littering thinks we can bring attention to the garbage in our lives by taking photos of it and posting that online. Before throwing the litter away, of course. [More]

Dawn is freaked out because when she got up this morning, she found bugs in her cat’s litter box. She called the company that makes the litter to ask them what to do, and they offered coupons but no real explanation. “Maybe some of your readers have had the same experience and could help me figure out what to do,” she writes. “Thanks!”